R. Mathurdevre et M. Lemort, BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING CONTRAST AGENTS, British journal of radiology, 68(807), 1995, pp. 225-247
Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very versatile
and effective technique for detecting and characterizing lesions, for
identifying a variety of patho-physiological abnormalities, and for p
roviding perfusion and functional information. The application of cont
rast enhanced MRI to many clinical and research indications has emerge
d because of the rapid evolution in imaging techniques, improved metho
dology, and the development of efficient and specific contrast agents.
Problems related to optimizing parameters and dosage have been due to
complex interplay of relaxation times, biophysical mechanisms and acq
uisition parameters. A knowledge of basic biophysical aspects is there
fore essential for a full understanding of the results obtained for di
fferent organs under different conditions, and for optimizing the imag
e parameters and dosage of contrast agents. This article underlines th
e biophysical basis of the effects of contrast agents in MRI, identifi
es the problems involved in optimizing the parameters for maximum effi
ciency; and presents a general overview of the clinical studies and re
search applications in the central nervous system, perfusion abnormali
ties, hepatobiliary system, musculoskeletal system and the gastrointes
tinal tract. The section on perfusion studies includes a discussion of
quantitative analysis and kinetic models describing the effects of co
ntrast agents. Finally, a critical evaluation of the scope and limitat
ions of contrast enhanced MRI is presented.